By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Uganda’s electoral commission on Tuesday gave January 15 as the date for the country’s general election, in which long-term President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his rule nearly four decades in power.
Museveni is now Africa’s fourth longest-ruling leader. He has twice orchestrated constitutional changes to expunge age and term limits, allowing him to remain in office since 1986.
His main challenger is a music star-turned-politician, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
In 2021, Bobi Wine, now 43 was also Museveni’s main rival who commands large followership among young voters.
Bobi Wine insists that he defeated Museveni in the last election but his mandate was overturned through ballot-stuffing, intimidation of voters, bribery and other rigging tactics.
Ruling party officials dismissed the accusation, saying Museveni won through genuine support.
Six other candidates representing smaller parties are contesting the upcoming presidential race, and voters will also elect members of parliament.
A former rebel, Museveni has been credited with stabilising Uganda, promoting economic growth, and combating HIV/AIDS.
But critics denounce his government’s suppression of political opponents, human rights abuses and corruption scandals.
Officials have denied allegations of rights abuses and say those detained are subject to due process.
His son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba is the country’s defence chief, and has come under criticism for making inflammatory statements in the past in social media.
He once threatened to behead Bobi Wine which he later claimed was not a serious threat.
Museveni’s government hopes the start of crude oil exports next year from fields operated by France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC will help propel economic growth into double digits.
